Seating systems

ABSTRACT

Seating systems are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/833,349 filed on Apr. 12, 2019. The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to seating systems.

RELATED ART

Some types of seating systems are known. Some seating systems include both seating mechanisms and seat cushions supported on the seating mechanisms. Improvements in the design of such seating mechanisms and seat cushions supported on such seating mechanisms are desirable.

SUMMARY

According to at least one embodiment, a seating system comprises: a base module having a carrier tray, said carrier tray having a base and a continuous upstanding side wall, said carrier tray defining a cavity containing a plurality of seating support units operable to provide support to an individual sitting on said base module; a seating mechanism; laterally spaced first and second actuators each being located within said seating mechanism; and an open cavity between said first and actuators and said front and back members of said seating mechanism, said open cavity receiving therein said base module.

According to at least one embodiment, a seating system comprises: a base module having a carrier tray configured in a generally quadrilateral shape, said carrier tray having a base and a continuous upstanding side wall, said carrier tray defining a cavity containing a plurality of seating support units operable to provide support to an individual sitting on said base module; a seating mechanism configured in a generally quadrilateral shape with a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel and longitudinally oriented side members and joined to a pair of longitudinally spaced generally parallel and laterally oriented front and back members; laterally spaced first and second actuators each being located within said seating mechanism and located proximate a respective one of said laterally spaced and longitudinally oriented side members; and a generally quadrilateral shaped open cavity between said first and actuators and said front and back members of said seating mechanism, said open cavity receiving therein said base module.

In some embodiments, said carrier tray is formed from a thermoplastic material.

In some embodiments, said plurality of seating support units comprise a plurality of upstanding pocket coils.

In some embodiments, said base module further comprises a plurality of foam members located within and adjacent to said sidewall of said carrier tray.

In some embodiments, said base module further comprises a plurality of foam members located within and adjacent to said sidewall of said carrier tray.

In some embodiments, said base module further comprises a flexible cover extending from said side wall and over said plurality of seating support units.

In some embodiments, said seating mechanism is made of metallic components.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a framework extending around and above said side wall of said carrier tray, said framework disposed between a rim of said sidewall of said carrier tray and said front, back and side members of said seating mechanism.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a footrest apparatus mounted for pivoting movement relative to said seating mechanism. In some embodiments, said first and second actuators are operable to move said footrest apparatus between an extended position and a retracted position.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a foam-core seat positioned above said base module.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a seat cushion located above said foam-core seat.

According to at least one embodiment, a method of assembling a seating system comprises forming a seating mechanism comprising: a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel and longitudinally oriented side members joined to a pair of longitudinally spaced generally parallel and laterally oriented front and back members to form a generally quadrilateral frame; laterally spaced first and second actuators each being located within said frame and located proximate a respective one of said laterally spaced and longitudinally oriented side members; and a generally quadrilateral shaped open cavity between said first and actuators and said front and back members of said frame. The method further comprises inserting a base module within said open cavity, said base module having a carrier tray configured in a generally quadrilateral shape, said carrier tray having a base and a continuous upstanding side wall, said carrier tray defining a cavity containing a plurality of seating support units operable to provide comfortable support to an individual sitting on said base module.

According to at least one embodiment, a method of assembling a seating system comprises supporting a seat cushion support body on at least one support surface of at least one seat support body of a seating mechanism, wherein supporting the seat cushion support body on the at least one seat support body comprises extending at least a portion of a seat cushion receptacle of the seat cushion support body into a cavity on a side of the at least one seat support body opposite the at least one support surface and positioned laterally relative to at least one actuator actuatable to move at least one footrest support body relative to the at least one seat support body.

In some embodiments, the cavity is positioned laterally between two actuators actuatable to move the at least one footrest support body relative to the at least one seat support body.

According to at least one embodiment, a seating system comprises a seating mechanism comprising: at least one seat support body comprising at least one support surface; at least one actuator; and at least one footrest support body movable relative to the at least one seat support body in response to actuation by the at least one actuator. The system further comprises a seat cushion support body comprising: at least one support portion positionable against the at least one support surface of the at least one seat support body to support the seat cushion support body on the seating mechanism; and a seat cushion receptacle. The seating mechanism defines a cavity positioned laterally relative to the at least one actuator and sized to receive at least a portion of the seat cushion receptacle when the at least one support portion of the seat cushion support body is positioned against the at least one support surface of the at least one seat support body to support the seat cushion support body on the seating mechanism.

In some embodiments, the seating mechanism comprises two actuators actuatable to move the at least one footrest support body relative to the at least one seat support body. In some embodiments, the cavity is positioned laterally between the two actuators.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a plurality of resilient cushion-support coils positioned in the seat cushion receptacle.

Other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away of a seating system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top, right front side perspective view of a seating mechanism forming part of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top, left front side perspective view of the seating mechanism of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top, right front side perspective view of a seat cushion support assembly forming part of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is top, right side, partly exploded, perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is another top, right side, partly exploded, perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is another top, right side, partly assembled, perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is another top, right side, partly assembled, perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side cross sectional view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a seating system according to another embodiment that comprises a plurality of the seating systems of FIG. 1 in an attached state;

FIG. 11 is a is a top perspective view of the alternate seating system of FIG. 10 in a detached state;

FIG. 12 is a left side elevation view of the alternate seating system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view the alternate seating system of FIG. 10 in a detached partly disassembled state;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a seat cushion support assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a seat cushion support assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a seat cushion support assembly according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is a side sectional illustration of a seat cushion support assembly according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a seating system according to one embodiment is shown generally at 100 and includes a seating mechanism shown generally at 102, a seat cushion support assembly (or base module) shown generally at 104 and supported by the seating mechanism 102, and seating cushions shown generally at 106 and supported by the seat cushion support assembly 104.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the seating mechanism 102 has a first side shown generally at 108 and a second side shown generally at 110, and the seating mechanism 102 may be generally laterally symmetric relative to the first and second sides 108 and 110. The seating mechanism 102 includes a seat support body 112 having a seat support surface 114 on the first side 108, and a seat support body 116 having a seat support surface 118 on the second side 110. The seat support bodies 110 and 112 may be laterally spaced generally parallel and longitudinally oriented side members of a frame. The seat support surfaces 114 and 118 may be oriented to face generally upward when the seating mechanism 102 is in use in a seating system such as the seating system 100, for example.

The seating mechanism 102 also includes a footrest actuation axle 120 extending generally laterally between the first and second sides 108 and 110 and rotatable about an axis of rotation extending generally laterally between the first and second sides 108 and 110. The seating mechanism 102 also includes a rear member 121. The footrest actuation axle 120 and the rear member 121 may be longitudinally spaced generally parallel and laterally oriented front and back members of a frame. Further, the seat support bodies 110 and 112, the footrest actuation axle 120, and the rear member 121 may be members of a generally quadrilateral frame.

On the first side 108, the footrest actuation axle 120 is coupled to a footrest actuation cam 122 extending eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the footrest actuation axle 120. Also on the first side 108, the seating mechanism 102 includes an actuator 124 operable to exert a force on the footrest actuation cam 122 to rotate the footrest actuation axle 122 about its axis of rotation. On the second side 110, the footrest actuation axle 120 is coupled to a footrest actuation cam 126 extending eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the footrest actuation axle 120. Also on the second side 110, the seating mechanism 102 includes an actuator 128 operable to exert a force on the footrest actuation cam 124 to rotate the footrest actuation axle 122 about its axis of rotation. Therefore, individually or collectively, the actuators 124 and 128 may exert torque on the footrest actuation axle 120 to rotate the footrest actuation axle 120 about its axis of rotation.

In the embodiment shown, the actuator 124 includes an electric motor operable to rotate a threaded shaft, and rotation of the threaded shaft causes linear extension or contraction of the actuator 124 to exert a torque on the footrest actuation axle 120 to rotate the footrest actuation axle 120 about its axis of rotation. Also, in the embodiment shown, the actuator 126 is substantially the same as the actuator 124, and the motors of the actuators 124 and 126 may be synchronized motors. However, alternative embodiments may differ. For example, actuators of alternative embodiments may include pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, or other actuators, and actuators of alternative embodiments may not necessarily be linear actuators.

The seating mechanism 102 includes a footrest support body 130 on the first side 108 and a footrest support body 132 on the second side 110. The footrest support bodies 130 and 132 are movable relative to other parts of the seating mechanism 102 (such as the seat support surfaces 114 and 118) in response to rotation of the footrest actuation axle 120 about its axis of rotation in response to actuation by one or both of the actuators 124 and 128. In the embodiment shown, extension of the actuators 124 and 126 causes the footrest support bodies 130 and 132 to rise relative to other parts of the seating mechanism 102 (such as the seat support surfaces 114 and 118), thereby causing a footrest attached to the footrest support bodies 130 and 132 to rise relative to such other parts of the seating mechanism 102, and contraction of the actuators 124 and 128 causes the footrest support bodies 130 and 132 to lower relative to such other parts of the seating mechanism 102, thereby lowering (relative to such other parts of the seating mechanism 102) a footrest attached to the footrest support bodies 130 and 132.

However, alternative embodiments may differ, and may include one or more different actuators that may cause movement of one or more footrest support bodies in other ways relative to seat support surfaces or relative to other parts of a seating mechanism. Further, alternative embodiments may include one or more different actuators that may cause movement of one or more different parts of a seating mechanism or of a seating system relative to other parts of seating mechanism or of the seating system, for example.

The actuators 124 and 128 are on opposite lateral sides of a cavity defined by the seating mechanism 102 and shown generally at 134. The cavity 134 is open on at least one side (a top side in the embodiment shown) or at a same side of the seating mechanism 102 as the seat support surfaces 114 and 118. The cavity 134 has a generally quadrilateral shape in the embodiment shown, although alternative embodiments may differ.

The seating mechanism 102 also includes a recliner interface 136 on the first side 108 and a recliner interface 138 on the second side 110. The recliner interfaces 136 and 138 may cooperate with other structures of the seating system 100 so that the seating mechanism 102 may be supported relative to a surface (such as a floor or ground surface for example), and the seating mechanism 102 may recline or otherwise be movable relative to such a surface. However, alternative embodiments may differ, and for example, seating mechanisms of alternative embodiments may be supported relative to, or movable relative to, other structures or surfaces in other ways.

The seating mechanism 102 also includes a backrest support body 140 on the first side 108, and a backrest support body 142 on the second side 110. The backrest support bodies 140 and 142 may support a backrest relative to the seating mechanism 102 on a same (for example, top) side of the seating mechanism 102 as the support surfaces 114 and 118.

Some or all components of the seating mechanism 102, such as frame members described above for example, may be metallic. Further, the seating mechanism 102 may incorporate some parts from one or more seating mechanisms that are disclosed in PCT publication no. WO 2018/211395 A1.

Referring to FIG. 4, the seat cushion support assembly 104 includes a seat cushion support body (or carrier tray) 144. The seat cushion support body 144 includes a base 145, a mounting flange 146, and a sidewall 147 (which may be a continuous upstanding sidewall) extending between the base 145 and the mounting flange 146. The mounting flange 146 surrounds an opening shown generally at 148. The seat cushion support body 144 also includes a receptacle 150 including the base 145 and the sidewall 147 and defining a cavity shown generally at 152 and open at the opening 148. The mounting flange 146 has a support surface 154 on a side (for example, a bottom side) of the mounting flange opposite a side (for example, a top side) of the seat cushion support body 144 at which the cavity 152 is open at the opening 148. The sidewall 147 and the receptacle 150 extend away from the support surface 154 in a direction (for example, downward) away from the mounting flange 146 and from the support surface 154.

In the embodiment shown, the base 145, the mounting flange 146, the sidewall 147, the opening 148, the receptacle 150, the cavity 152, and the support surface 154 are all generally quadrilateral, although alternative embodiments may differ. Further, in the embodiment shown, the support body 144 may be made of a thermoplastic material, but again alternative embodiments may differ.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the seat cushion support assembly 104 also includes a spring assembly 156 including a plurality of pocket springs or pocket coils. More generally, the spring assembly 156 includes a plurality of resilient cushion-support bodies, resilient cushion-support coils, or seating support units. In the embodiment shown, the cushion-support bodies or seating support units of the spring assembly 156 are resiliently deformable in a direction (a vertical direction, for example) in which the receptacle 150 extends away from the mounting flange 146 and from the support surface 154, although alternative embodiments may differ.

The seat cushion support assembly 104 also includes inserts (from foam, for example) 158, 160, 162, and 164, which may be positioned between the spring assembly 156 and the sidewall 147 around the cavity 152 to maintain a position of the pocket coil assembly 156 in the cavity 152. The seat cushion support assembly 104 also includes a three-dimensional adaptation fabric (or, more generally, a flexible cover) 166, which may be supported (on top, for example) on the pocket coil assembly 156 when the pocket coil assembly 156 and the inserts 158, 160, 162, and 164 are positioned in the cavity 152 so that the three-dimensional adaptation fabric 166 may be supported for resilient deformation on the pocket coil assembly 156 and on the seat cushion support body 144. The three-dimensional adaptation fabric 166 may be positionable to extend over the mounting flange 146 and cover the spring assembly 156.

The seat cushion support assembly 104 may incorporate some or all parts from one or more modules that are disclosed in PCT publication no. WO 2018/114062 A1.

Referring to FIG. 5, the seating system 100 further includes an interface support body 168 having a first support surface 170 on a first side of the interface support body 168 and a second support surface 172 on a second side of the interface support body 168 opposite the first side of the interface support body 168. The interface support body 168 may be made of plywood, for example, and defines a through-opening shown generally at 174, surrounded by the support surfaces 170 and 172, and extending between the first and second sides of the interface support body 168.

The second support surface 172 is sized to be positioned against the seat support surfaces 114 and 118, and the support surface 154 is sized to be positioned against the first support surface 170. The through-opening 174 and the cavity 134 are also sized to receive at least a portion of the receptacle 150. When the support surface 154 is positioned against the first support surface 170, and when the second support surface 172 is positioned against the seat support surfaces 114 and 118, at least a portion of the receptacle 150 is received through the through-opening 174 and into the cavity 134, and at least a portion of the receptacle 150 is positioned in the cavity 134 laterally relative to one or both of the actuators 124 and 128 or laterally between the actuators 124 and 128. Therefore, when the support surface 154 is positioned against the first support surface 170, and when the second support surface 172 is positioned against the seat support surfaces 114 and 118, the seat support surfaces 114 and 118 may support the seat cushion support body 144 indirectly. Nevertheless, reference herein to support may include direct support or indirect support (such as indirect support involving an interface support body such as the interface support body 168, for example).

Still referring to FIG. 5, the seating system 100 further includes footrest bodies 176 and 178 that may be attached to the footrest support bodies 130 and 132.

Referring to FIG. 6, the seating system 100 further includes one or more surface support bodies, such as a surface support body 180, that may support the seating mechanism 102 on a surface such as a floor or ground surface, for example. Further, the seating system 100 further includes other parts of a seating system, such as a backrest 182 that may be supported by the backrest support bodies 140 and 142. The seating system 100 may also include a headrest 184, an armrest 186, and one or more other parts of a seating system. A power headrest mechanism may move the headrest 184 relative to the backrest 182 or relative to other parts of the seating system 100. The armrest 186 may include a friction pivot hinge.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the seating cushions 106 include 188 a pressure-relief layer 188 that includes a goose-feather fill, and a body-adaptation layer 190 of micro pocket springs. Of course, alternative embodiments may differ. When the seating system 100 is assembled as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, for example, an individual may sit on the seating cushions 106, which may be supported by the spring assembly 156, which may in turn be supported by the seat cushion support body 144 and by the seating mechanism 102 on a surface such as a floor or ground surface, for example.

FIG. 9 illustrates further details of the seating system 100, although alternative embodiments may differ.

Seating systems such as the seating system 100 may be included in other seating systems. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a seating system that includes seating system 100 with other parts of the seating system. FIG. 11 illustrates how the seating system of FIG. 10 may be assembled from different parts. FIG. 12 illustrates a footrest of the seating system of FIG. 10 raised relative to other parts of the seating system. FIG. 13 also illustrates how the seating system of FIG. 10 may be assembled from different parts.

With reference to FIG. 14, an exploded view of a seat cushion support assembly 1104 (or seating module) according to another embodiment is shown.

The module 1104 may have a carrying container/cushion support body/carrier tray 1144 formed in trough-shape. Support body 1144 may have a bottom/base 1455, in which ventilation holes can be provided. From the bottom 1455 side walls 1445 extend upwards. The upwardly extending side walls 1445 have an outwardly bent peripheral upper edge 1146, so that the assembled module can be suspended from above into an opening of a sitting or lying furniture surrounded by a support frame.

The carrying container 1144 shown in FIG. 14 is preferably a deep-drawing component, for example a deep-drawn component made of plastic. Alternatively, the carrying container 1144 may also be a carrying container made of a press material.

In the assembled state of the module 1104, a protective layer 1149 may be applied to the top of the bottom/base 1445. This protective layer 1149 is preferably a protective mat. As a protective mat, for example, a non-woven mat may be used.

Furthermore, in the assembled state of the module 1104, a resilient component 1143 is placed on the protective layer 1149, in which case it is a Bonnell or Belleville spring core. The fleece mat provided as a protective mat underneath the Bonnell or Belleville spring core serves in particular for noise reduction.

Between the side walls 1445 of the carrying container 1144 and provided in the interior of the carrying container 1144, one or more intermediate members 1147 may be inserted, such as for example a total of four foam beams 1147, each of which is provided on a different outer side of the carrying container 1144.

The side walls 1445 of the carrying container 1144 extend from the bottom 1455 either vertically upwards or obliquely upwards. In the case of side walls extending vertically upwards, the foam beams 1147 are cuboid-shaped. In obliquely upwardly extending side walls, the foam bars are formed wedge-shaped so that they are adapted to the slopes of the side walls. In this case, the foam bars serve as slope compensation. In both aforementioned cases, the foam bars serve as protective components for the Bonnell or Belleville spring core 1143 located in the carrying container 1144.

Furthermore, the module 1104 in its assembled state, has on top of the resilient member/component 1143 a cover 1148. This cover is, for example, a cover mat that may be made of a 3D fabric. This 3D fabric may be elastic and air permeable. As an alternative to a 3D fabric, the cover 1148 may also be formed by a pressure distribution fabric. This causes in the assembled state of the module, a distribution of pressure exerted by a person sitting on the module pressure on adjacent springs of the spring core. Preferably, the length and the width of the cover 1148 are chosen to be greater than the length and the width of the resilient component 1143, that the cover 1148 protrudes laterally on all four sides of component 1143 and also on the intermediate members 1147.

In its areas laterally beyond the intermediate members 1147 protruding areas, the cover 1148 is fixed on the top of the peripheral edge 1146 of the carrying case 1144. This attachment is preferably realized by a UV welding or by a bond, which can be carried out for example by means of a two-sided adhesive tape.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a module 2104 that is formed generally the same as module 1104 except as described hereinafter and as depicted. Module 2104 has an alternate resilient component 2143 that is a pocket spring core.

The module 2104 includes four foam beams 2147, each of which is provided on a different outer side of the pocket spring core 2143.

In both aforementioned cases, the foam bars 2147 serve as protective components for the pocket spring core 2143 located in the carrying container 2144.

Cover is 2148 is, for example, a cover mat made of a 3D fabric. This 3D fabric may also be elastic and breathable. As an alternative to a 3D fabric, the cover 2148 may also be formed by a pressure distribution fabric. This causes in the assembled state of the module, a distribution of pressure exerted by a person sitting on the module pressure on adjacent springs of the spring core 2143. Preferably, the length and the width of the cover 2148 are chosen to be greater than the length and the width of the pocket spring core 2143, that the cover 2148 on all four sides protrudes laterally beyond the pocket spring core 2143 and also via the intermediate members 2147.

In its laterally beyond the intermediate members 2147 protruding areas, the cover 2148 is fixed on the top of the peripheral edge 2146 of the carrying case 2144. This attachment is preferably realized by a UV welding or by a bond, which can be carried out for example by means of a two-sided adhesive tape.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a module 3104 that is formed generally the same as modules 1104 and 2104 except as described hereinafter and as depicted.

In the assembled state of the module 3104, a resilient component 3143 is placed on the bottom 3445 of the carrying container 3144, and component 3143 is a gel cushion component. As an alternative to a gel cushion component, the resilient component 3143 may also be a foam component or a component having a liquid-filled cushion.

No intermediate components are necessary between the side walls 3455 of the carrying container 3144 and the gel cushion component 3143 provided in the interior of the carrying container, since the outer shape of the gel cushion component adapts to the course/configuration of the side walls 3455 even when the side walls are inclined.

Furthermore, the module 3104 in its assembled state has on the top of the gel pad component 3143, a cover 3148 like the covers described above. In the assembled state of the module 3104, this causes a lateral distribution of the pressure exerted by a person sitting on the module. Preferably, the length and the width of the cover 3148 are selected to be greater than the length and the width of the gel cushion component 3143 such that the cover protrudes laterally over the gel cushion component 3143 on all four sides.

In its laterally areas beyond the gel component 3143, the cover 3148 is mounted on the upper side of the peripheral edge 3146 of the carrying container 3144. This attachment is preferably realized by a UV welding or by a bond, which can be carried out for example by means of a two-sided adhesive tape.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14-16 the carrying containers may consist of plastic. Alternatively, the carrying container can also consist of a different material, for example of a press material.

Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14-16, the module is square in plan view. This square design is particularly suitable for use of the module in for use in a seating system such a chair or vehicle seat.

Alternatively, the module may also be rectangular in its plan view. This rectangular design is particularly suitable for use of the module in a reclining furniture, such as a chair or sofa, a couch.

FIG. 17 shows a side sectional illustration of another embodiment of a module 4104 in an assembled state. In this embodiment, as a resilient member 4143, which is inserted into the carrying container 4144, a pocket spring core is used. Between the pocket spring core 4143 and the side walls 4445, a wedge-shaped intermediate member 4147 is arranged. The outer edges of the upper cover 4148 are glued to the peripheral edge 4146, for example. This embodiment differs from the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 14-16 in that the base 4445 has a step 4445a on its left side and a step 4445b on its right side and that in the region thereof inside the carrying case 2 arranged spring pockets of the pocket spring core in that side region have a lower height than the arranged in the central region.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 17 has the advantage that after hanging the module 4104 in a recess having a frame of the sitting or lying furniture below the bottom 4445 additional space for the accommodation of one or more functional components of the furniture remains. Such functional components are for example motors for adjusting the foot part of the respective furniture as well as hinges, joints, etc.

The embodiments described above are illustrative only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, one, more than one, or all of the parts of one embodiment described above may be varied, omitted, or interchanged. Further, alternative embodiments may include one, more than one, or all of the parts of one embodiment described above in combination with one or more than one other parts, such as one, more than one, or all of the parts of one or more other embodiments described above. For example, the modules 1104, 2104, 3104, and 4104 may be alternatives to the seat cushion support assembly 104, or one or more parts of such alternatives may be interchanged or varied. The seating system 100 and the seating system of FIGS. 10-13 are also examples only, and alternative embodiments may include different seating systems.

Therefore, although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and not as limiting the invention as construed according to the accompanying claims. 

1. A seating system comprising: a base module having a carrier tray, said carrier tray having a base and a continuous upstanding side wall, said carrier tray defining a cavity containing a plurality of seating support units operable to provide support to an individual sitting on said base module; a seating mechanism; laterally spaced first and second actuators each being located within said seating mechanism; and an open cavity between said first and actuators and said front and back members of said seating mechanism, said open cavity receiving therein said base module.
 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said carrier tray is configured in a generally quadrilateral shape; said seating mechanism is configured in a generally quadrilateral shape with a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel and longitudinally oriented side members and joined to a pair of longitudinally spaced generally parallel and laterally oriented front and back members; said laterally spaced first and second actuators are located proximate a respective one of said laterally spaced and longitudinally oriented side members; and the open cavity is generally quadrilateral shaped.
 3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said carrier tray is formed from a thermoplastic material.
 4. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plurality of seating support units comprise a plurality of upstanding pocket coils.
 5. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base module further comprises a plurality of foam members located within and adjacent to said sidewall of said carrier tray.
 6. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base module further comprises a plurality of foam members located within and adjacent to said sidewall of said carrier tray.
 7. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base module further comprises a flexible cover extending from said side wall and over said plurality of seating support units.
 8. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said seating mechanism is made of metallic components.
 9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the system further comprises a framework extending around and above said side wall of said carrier tray, said framework disposed between a rim of said sidewall of said carrier tray and said front, back and side members of said seating mechanism.
 10. A system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a footrest apparatus mounted for pivoting movement relative to said seating mechanism, and wherein said first and second actuators are operable to move said footrest apparatus between an extended position and a retracted position.
 11. A system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a foam-core seat positioned above said base module.
 12. A system as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a seat cushion located above said foam-core seat.
 13. A method of assembling a seating system, the method comprising: supporting a seat cushion support body on at least one support surface of at least one seat support body of a seating mechanism, wherein supporting the seat cushion support body on the at least one seat support body comprises extending at least a portion of a seat cushion receptacle of the seat cushion support body into a cavity on a side of the at least one seat support body opposite the at least one support surface and positioned laterally relative to at least one actuator actuatable to move at least one footrest support body relative to the at least one seat support body.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: forming said seating mechanism, said seating mechanism comprising: a pair of laterally spaced generally parallel and longitudinally oriented side members joined to a pair of longitudinally spaced generally parallel and laterally oriented front and back members to form a generally quadrilateral frame; laterally spaced first and second actuators comprising said at least one actuator, each of said laterally spaced first and second actuators being located within said frame and located proximate a respective one of said laterally spaced and longitudinally oriented side members; and said cavity, said cavity being a generally quadrilateral shaped open cavity between said first and actuators and said front and back members of said frame; and inserting a base module within said open cavity, said base module having a carrier tray configured in a generally quadrilateral shape, said carrier tray having a base and a continuous upstanding side wall, said carrier tray defining a cavity containing a plurality of seating support units operable to provide comfortable support to an individual sitting on said base module.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the cavity is positioned laterally between two actuators actuatable to move the at least one footrest support body relative to the at least one seat support body.
 16. A seating system comprising: a seating mechanism comprising: at least one seat support body comprising at least one support surface; at least one actuator; and at least one footrest support body movable relative to the at least one seat support body in response to actuation by the at least one actuator; and a seat cushion support body comprising: at least one support portion positionable against the at least one support surface of the at least one seat support body to support the seat cushion support body on the seating mechanism; and a seat cushion receptacle; wherein the seating mechanism defines a cavity positioned laterally relative to the at least one actuator and sized to receive at least a portion of the seat cushion receptacle when the at least one support portion of the seat cushion support body is positioned against the at least one support surface of the at least one seat support body to support the seat cushion support body on the seating mechanism.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the seating mechanism comprises two actuators actuatable to move the at least one footrest support body relative to the at least one seat support body, and wherein the cavity is positioned laterally between the two actuators.
 18. The system of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of resilient cushion-support coils positioned in the seat cushion receptacle. 